In today’s mining industry, safety stands out as the foremost Key Performance Indicator (KPI). Therefore, any innovation or development that can minimize exposure times to hazardous conditions for people, equipment, and the environment takes priority for implementation.
Among the critical tasks in SAG milling, changing liners is a process that significantly impacts both the safety and operational availability of the plant. This task involves multiple personnel, exposing them to hazardous conditions often referred to as the “line of fire.” It is crucial for this process to be highly efficient to minimize maintenance times and reduce the risks associated with prolonged exposure. Unfortunately, there have been instances of fatal accidents during liner changeouts in mining operations, highlighting the urgent need for safer and more efficient methods to conduct these tasks.
One of Peru’s most significant mining operations, which serves as a benchmark for the local industry, is seeking reliable and innovative solutions for its SAG mills. Safety stands out as a primary pillar in its operational activities, necessitating advancements that enhance safety protocols.
Traditionally, the customer has relied on traditional bolting solutions for their SAG mills. However, this method is considered unsafe and risky, particularly during installation and maintenance processes. There is a growing need for safer alternatives that can improve operational safety while maintaining or enhancing efficiency in maintenance routines.
ME SecureFIT™ external bolting offers an advanced fastening solution for SAG mill liners. This innovative approach securely attaches the liners to the mill shell using bolts inserted from the outside. Unlike traditional methods that require personnel to be inside the mill passing bolts from the inside to the outside for each liner installation, ME SecureFIT™ eliminates this need entirely.
Specifically, this solution reduces the number of people inside the mill by an impressive 75%.
Internally, ME Elecmetal applies specialized technology within the thread of the piece’s perforations to optimize fastening conditions using a loose nut approach. This technology is designed to reduce friction during bolt installation, thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving the intended design tension. By minimizing torque loss due to friction, ME Elecmetal enhances the overall efficiency of the installation process. Furthermore, this technology improves the distribution of loads on the bolt threads and the piece itself. This enhancement ensures that the transmission of forces is more efficient and effective throughout the operational campaign, contributing to the reliability and longevity of the installation.
ME Elecmetal’s line of materials combining rubber and steel offers customized solutions tailored to meet the specific objectives of each mill operation. These solutions prioritize client needs such as longevity, increased capacity, and minimized downtime. The rubber and steel composite materials are engineered to be abrasion-resistant, effectively minimizing the volume occupied within the mill. By reducing the number of parts required, these materials optimize the capacity of the liner handler, enabling faster installation processes. This efficiency enhances operational productivity and contributes to reduced downtime associated with maintenance activities in SAG mill operations.
